What guitar does James Hetfield use on Too Far Gone?

James Hetfield used an ESP Explorer for the lead guitar parts on "Too Far Gone." This is consistent with his long-standing preference for Explorer-style guitars equipped with high-output humbucker pickups.

What amp did Metallica use to record Too Far Gone?

The lead guitar on "Too Far Gone" was recorded through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier. This amp has been a staple of Hetfield's sound since the early 1980s and provides the tight, aggressive tone Metallica is known for.

How to get James Hetfield's tone on Too Far Gone?

Start with a high-output humbucker-equipped guitar into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or similar high-gain amp. Use an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 as a clean boost with low drive and high level settings to tighten the low end and add sustain.

What microphone was used to record Too Far Gone guitar?

A Shure SM57 microphone was used to capture the guitar cabinet on "Too Far Gone." The SM57 is an industry standard for recording guitar amps due to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels and midrange focus.

Who produced Metallica's Too Far Gone?

"Too Far Gone" was produced by Greg Fidelman with Mike Gillies as engineer. The track was recorded at Metallica's HQ studio, their private recording facility.

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Tone Profile

Aggressive and searing high-gain lead tone with a cutting midrange and tight low end, perfect for fast-paced riffs and solos. This sound is characterized by its clarity and definition, ensuring every note rings out with precision.

Shop This Rig

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ESP Explorer(instrument)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(processing)

The Story

The lead guitar tone on Metallica's "Too Far Gone" was recorded using James Hetfield's ESP Explorer through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier, with an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 used as a signal boost. The track was recorded at Metallica's HQ studio with producer Greg Fidelman and engineer Mike Gillies. A Shure SM57 microphone was used to capture the cabinet, likely placed close to the speaker cone for the direct, aggressive sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Greg Fidelman

Engineer: Mike Gillies

Recorded at: HQ (Metallica's Studio)

Signal Chain

Instrument: ESP ExplorerShop on Reverb

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with an ESP Explorer-style guitar equipped with high-output humbucker pickups.
Use a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier or a similar high-gain amp known for its tight and aggressive sound.
Place a Shure SM57 microphone close to the speaker cone, slightly off-axis.
Add an Ibanez Tube Screamer in front of the amp, with the drive set low and the level set high to boost the signal.
Adjust EQ to cut any muddiness and boost the upper mids for clarity.
Use light compression to control dynamics and add sustain.

Original Gear

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ESP ExplorerShop on Reverb(guitar)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+Shop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Mesa/Boogie Mark VIIShop on Reverb$3,200-$3,500

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Direct descendant of the IIC+ with similar circuit design and the aggressive midrange punch needed for this cutting lead tone

Neural DSP Fortin Cali SuitePlugin Boutique$99-$149

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Accurately models Mesa/Boogie Mark series amps including the IIC+ mode with the tight low end and searing highs of the original

ESP E-II ExplorerShop on Reverb$1,800-$2,200

Alternative to: ESP Explorer

Modern version of Hetfield's signature Explorer shape with high-output EMG pickups for the aggressive attack needed

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 ReissueShop on Reverb$180-$220

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Exact reissue of the original TS808 circuit providing the same midrange boost and low-end tightening

Boss SD-1 Super OverdriveShop on Reverb$50-$70